FOX31 Denver

Should you drive with hazard lights during a snowstorm?

DENVER (KDVR) — If you have ever driven through Colorado while snow is falling, there’s a good chance you’ve passed cars driving with their hazards on.

Is it legal to drive with your hazard lights on in Colorado? Should you be driving on a snow-covered road with your hazard lights on? We reached out to the Colorado State Patrol to find out.

When should you drive with your hazard lights on?

Based on Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-215(7), there are instances when you should and should not use your hazard lights.

If your vehicle breaks down, is stalled or stopped on the road, you should use your hazard lights as a warning to cars around you.

According to CSP Sgt. Troy Kessler, you can use your hazard lights while your vehicle is moving, but you must be driving 25 mph or under. If your vehicle is in motion while your hazards are flashing, you should be doing it to communicate to other drivers around you to use extreme care around your vehicle.

“When you see vehicles using their hazards in the snow or when slowing for normal traffic, it takes away the real meaning of hazard lights causing people to not take them seriously at a time when they should,” Sgt. Kessler said.

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